Christian Benteke is best striker in Europe - Villa boss Tim Sherwood

Christian Benteke signed for Villa in 2012 in a £7m move

Christian Benteke is currently "the best striker in Europe", according to his Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood.

The 24-year-old's seven goals in five league games have helped Villa to three wins in that period, which moved them out of the relegation zone.

The Belgium striker was rewarded with the Premier League Player of the Month award for April.

"I don't know if there's a better striker in Europe right now. He's the best," said Sherwood.

The Villa manager said he does not want to sell his star asset, who has been linked with a move to Liverpool or Chelsea.

"Benteke is going nowhere in the summer, no one can afford him," he added.

Christian Benteke has scored 11 goals in the last nine matches in all competitions

"He's in great form. We're creating the chances for him and he's sticking them away."

Villa, two points above the drop zone with three fixtures remaining, host West Ham on Saturday (15:00 BST kick-off).

They also have an FA Cup final date against Arsenal on 30 May and Sherwood said relegation before their Wembley appearance was unthinkable.

"That would be a disaster. Mentally we'd still have to win the cup final. The priority is the Premier League," he added.

"My mindset would be completely different, it would not be great. My summer holiday with my kids would not be good - I'd be throwing them in the deep end."